Posted: Sun, Aug 26, 2001, 10:04 AM ET (1404 GMT)
NASA's Deep Space 1 (DS1) spacecraft has returned to normal operations after a loss of attitude lock several days ago, according to NASA memos published online. According to the messages, published on SpaceRef.com, DS1 had lost attitude lock some time before ground controllers attempted a routine communications session on Tuesday, August 21. Project engineers then began "contingency operations" to restore the spacecraft's attitude lock, which was restored by Friday, August 24. The problem meant that DS1 missed its first opportunity to observe comet Borrelly, which the spacecraft will fly by September 22.